Jobless count is a waste of public money

Dave (letters, February 24) was spot on when he says thatA4E and other quangos are taking millions of pounds in public money to make it appear unemployment is falling.

This is solely designed for claimants on income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, who are not included in the official unemployment count.

If the claimant refuses to go along with this con, benefit is stopped.

All governments do it, Blair’s New Deal was also pointless.

If you moved the decimal point one step to the right we may be nearer the true unemployment figure. There are a few million who can’t claim income-based JSA, as they are living with a partner. They aren’t counted either. It’s a complete waste of public money.